Stabilizers derived from 3,5-dialkyl-4-aminobenzenethiol

ABSTRACT

Compounds prepared by the addition of the mercaptan group of 3,5-dialkyl-4-aminobenzenethiol to activated ethylenic double bonds or the sulfenyl chloride of 3,5-dialkyl-4-aminobenzenethiol to trialkyl phosphites are effective stabilizers for organic materials subject to oxidative and/or thermal degradation.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/602,958, filed on Oct. 24, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,970, issued on Sep. 8, 1992.

The instant invention pertains to compounds containing at least one 3,5-dialkyl-4-aminophenylthio moiety which are effective stabilizers for organic materials subject to oxidative and/or thermal degradation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,156,720 and 3,224,972 disclose as antioxidants 4,4'-thiobis(2,6-dialkylanilines). These patents describe several 3,5-dialkyl-4-aminobenzenethiols, but not any of the instant compounds derived therefrom.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,934,972 and 3,953,162 mention unsubstituted 4-aminophenylthiosuccinic acid as a dye fixation agent. There is no mention of corresponding dialkyl or diaralkyl substituted compounds nor of the use of the unsubstituted succinic acids as stabilizers.

Belgian Patent No. 625,216 (=Chem. Abst. 60, 10600) discloses unsubstituted S-(4-aminophenyl)thiophosphorus acid esters as parasiticides. Again no mention of an stabilization efficacy for such esters is made.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide new compounds containing at least one 3,5-dialkyl or diaralkyl-4-aminophenylthio moiety which are effective stabilizers for organic materials subject to oxidative and/or thermal degradation.

Another object of the invention is to provide stabilized compositions containing an organic material subject to oxidative and/or thermal degradation and an effective stabilizing amount of an instant compound described above.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for new mercaptan intermediates, such as 4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylbenzenethiol, useful in preparing the stabilizer compounds of this invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The instant invention pertains to a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms or said phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl ring by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

n is an integer from 1 to 4,

when n is 1, E is a direct bond, and T is a group of formula II, III, IV, V or VI ##STR2## where R₃ is hydrogen or methyl,

R₄ is alkyl of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, phenyl or said phenylalkyl or said phenyl substituted on the phenyl ring by one or two alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

R₅ is alkyl of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 or 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, phenyl or said phenylalkyl or said phenyl substituted on the phenyl ring by one or two alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

when n is 2-4; E is --CH₂ CH(R₃)COO-- where the oxygen atom is attached to T, and

T is an n-valent radical of an alkanepolyol of 3 to 12 carbon atoms after removal of the OH groups.

Preferably, R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms.

R₃ is preferably hydrogen.

Preferably, R₄ is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

Preferably R₅ is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or phenyl.

Preferably, n is 1-3.

When n is 2, R₃ is preferably hydrogen and T is alkylene of 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

When n is 3, R₃ is preferably hydrogen and T is alkanetriyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms.

Most preferably, R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and especially where R₁ is methyl and R₂ is tert-butyl.

Most preferably, when n is 2, T is alkylene of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, especially hexamethylene.

Most preferably, when n is 3, T is alkanetriyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, especially the alkanetriyl derived from trimethylolpropane.

When any of R₁ to R₅ is alkyl, such alkyl groups are, for example, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, tert-amyl, 2-ethylhexyl, lauryl, n-octadecyl, eicosyl and triacontyl; when said radicals are cycloalkyl, they are, for example, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl and cyclododecyl; when said radicals are phenylalkyl, they are for example, benzyl, phenethyl, α-methylbenzyl and α,α-dimethylbenzyl; when said radicals are substituted phenyl, they are, for example, tolyl or xylyl. When T is an n-valent radical derived from an alkanepolyol by removal of the OH groups, it is, for example, ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl, hexamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene, pentaerythrityl, the alkanetriyl radical derived from trimethylolpropane, and --CH₂ CH₂ X(CH₂ CH₂ X)_(q) CH₂ CH₂ -- where q is 0 to 10 and X is --O--, --S-- or --NR₁ --.

The compounds of this invention are conveniently prepared by the addition of a mercaptan group of a 2,6-dialkyl-4-mercaptoaniline across an activated ethylenic double bond or of a sulfenyl chloride of a 2,6-dialkyl-4-mercaptoaniline to a trialkyl or triaryl phosphite. The 2,6-dialkyl-4-mercaptoanilines are conveniently prepared by the reduction of the corresponding 4,4'-thiobis(2,6-dialkylanilines) using catalytic hydrogenation or other conventional reducing agents such as zinc dust. The 4,4'-thiobis(2,6-dialkylanilines) are prepared by the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,156,720 and 3,224,972 by reaction of a 2,6-dialkylaniline with sulfur dichloride in an inert solvent. The sulfenyl chloride of a 2,6-dialkyl-4-mercaptoaniline is conveniently prepared from the corresponding 4,4'-dithiobis compound in situ by reaction with chlorine as described by N. Kharasch et al, Chem. Rev. 39, 269 (1946). The 2,6-dialkylanilines and the other materials needed to make the instant compounds are largely items of commerce.

Another aspect of the instant invention is a composition stabilized against oxidative or thermal degradation which comprises

(a) an organic material subject to oxidative or thermal degradation, and

(b) an effective stabilizing amount of a compound of formula I.

The organic material of this invention is preferably a synthetic polymer, most preferably a polyolefin, especially polypropylene; or an elastomer, e.g. polybutadiene; or is a lubricant, preferably a motor oil, especially a motor oil for a gasoline engine.

Still another aspect of the instant invention is a new intermediate mercaptan of formula VII ##STR3## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms or said phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl ring by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

with the proviso that R₁ and R₂ are not both ethyl, isopropyl or sec-butyl; that R₁ is not methyl when R₂ is ethyl or sec-butyl; or that R₁ is not isopropyl when R₂ is ethyl or tert-butyl.

Substrates in which the compounds of this invention are particularly useful are polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polystyrene, including especially impact polystyrene; ABS resin; elastomers such as e.g. butadiene rubber, EPM, EPDM, SBR and nitrile rubber; and lubricating oils.

In general polymers which can be stabilized include

1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybutene-1, polymethylpentene-1, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene.

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene.

3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with other vinyl monomers, such as, for example, ethylene/propylene, propylene/butene-1, propylene/isobutylene, ethylene/butene-1, propylene/butadiene, isobutylene/isoprene, ethylene/alkyl acrylates, ethylene/alkyl methacrylates, ethylene/vinyl acetate or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts (ionomers) and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene, such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene.

4. Polystyrene, poly-(p-methylstyrene).

5. Copolymers of styrene or methylstyrene with dienes or acrylic derivatives, such as, for example, styrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/ethyl methacrylate, styrene/butadiene/ethyl acrylate, styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; mixtures of high impact strength from styrene copolymers and another polymer, such as, for example, from a polyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer; and block polymers of styrene, such as, for example, styrene/butadiene/styrene, styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene or styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene.

6. Graft copolymers of styrene, such as, for example, styrene on polybutadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile on polybutadiene, styrene and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates on polybutadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers, styrene and acrylonitrile on polyacrylates or polymethacrylates, styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadiene copolymers, as well as mixtures thereof with the copolymers listed under 5), for instance the copolymer mixtures known as ABS-, MBS-, ASA- or AES-polymers.

7. Halogen-containing polymers, such as polychloroprene, chlorinated rubbers, chlorinated or sulfochlorinated polyethylene, epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers, polymers from halogen-containing vinyl compounds, as for example, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, as well as copolymers thereof, as for example, vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers, or vinyl fluoride/vinyl ether copolymers.

8. Polymers which are derived from α,β-unsaturated acids and derivatives thereof, such as polyacrylates and polymethacrylates, polyacrylamide and polyacrylonitrile.

9. Copolymers from the monomers mentioned under 8) with each other or with other unsaturated monomers, such as, for instance, acrylonitrile/butadiene, acrylonitrile/alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylate or acrylonitrile/vinyl halogenide copolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl methacrylate/butadiene terpolymers.

10. Polymers which are derived from unsaturated alcohols and amines, or acyl derivatives thereof or acetals thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinyl maleate, polyvinylbutyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallyl-melamine.

11. Homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic ethers, such as polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or copolymers thereof with bis-glycidyl ethers.

12. Polyacetals, such as polyoxymethylene and those polyoxymethylenes which contain ethylene oxide as comonomer.

13. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides, and mixtures of polyphenylene oxides with polystyrene.

14. Polyurethanes which are derived from polyethers, polyesters or polybutadienes with terminal hydroxyl groups on the one side and aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates on the other side, as well as precursors thereof (polyisocyanates, polyols or prepolymers).

15. Polyamides and copolyamides which are derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactams, such as polyamide 4, polyamide 6, polyamide 6/6, polyamide 6/10, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, poly-2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene terephthalamide, poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide or poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide, as well as copolymers thereof with polyethers, such as for instance with polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or polytetramethylene glycols.

16. Polyureas, polyimides and polyamide-imides.

17. Polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols and/or from hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactones, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly-1,4-dimethylol-cyclohexane terephthalate, poly-[2,2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane] terephthalate and polyhydroxybenzoates as well as block-copolyether-esters derived from polyethers having hydroxyl end groups.

18. Polycarbonates.

19. Polysulfones, polyethersulfones and polyetherketones.

20. Crosslinked polymers which are derived from aldehydes on the one hand and phenols, ureas and melamines on the other hand, such as phenol/formaldehyde resins, urea/formaldehyde resins and melamine/formaldehyde resins.

21. Drying and non-drying alkyd resins.

22. Unsaturated polyester resins which are derived from copolyesters of saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with polyhydric alcohols and vinyl compounds as crosslinking agents, and also halogen-containing modifications thereof of low flammability.

23. Thermosetting acrylic resins, derived from substituted acrylic esters, such as epoxy-acrylates, urethane-acrylates or polyester acrylates.

24. Alkyd resins, polyester resins or acrylate resins in admixture with melamine resins, urea resins, polyisocyanates or epoxide resins as crosslinking agents.

25. Crosslinked epoxide resins which are derived from polyepoxides, for example from bis-glycidyl ethers or from cycloaliphatic diepoxides.

26. Natural polymers, such as cellulose, rubber, gelatin and derivatives thereof which are chemically modified in a polymer homologous manner, such as cellulose acetates, cellulose propionates and cellulose butyrates, or the cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose.

27. Mixtures of polymers as mentioned above, for example PP/EPDM, Polyamide 6/EPDM or ABS, PVC/EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS, PC/ABS, PBTP/ABS.

28. Naturally occuring and synthetic organic materials which are pure monomeric compounds or mixtures of such compounds, for example mineral oils, animal and vegatable fats, oil and waxes, or oils, fats and waxes based on synthetic esters (e.g. phthalates, adipates, phosphates or trimellitates) and also mixtures of synthetic esters with mineral oils in any weight ratios, which materials may be used as plasticizers for polymers or as textile spinning oils, as well as aqueous emulsions of such materials.

29. Aqueous emulsions of natural or synthetic rubber, e.g. natural latex or latices of carboxylated styrene/butadiene copolymers.

30. Polysiloxanes such as the soft, hydrophilic polysiloxanes, described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,467; and the hard polyorganosiloxanes described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,147.

31. Polyketimines in combination with unsaturated acrylic polyacetoacetate resins or with unsaturated acrylic resins. The unsaturated acrylic resins include the urethane acrylates, polyether acrylates, vinyl or acryl copolymers with pendant unsaturated groups and the acrylated melamines. The polyketimines are prepared from polyamines and ketones in the presence of an acid catalyst.

32. Radiation curable compositions containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers or oligomers and a polyunsaturated aliphatic oligomer.

33. Epoxymelamine resins such as light-stable epoxy resins crosslinked by an epoxy functional coetherified high solids melamine resin such as LSE-4103 (Monsanto).

In general, the compounds of the present invention are employed in from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight of the stabilized composition, although this will vary with the particular substrate and application. An advantageous range is from about 0.5 to about 2%, and especially 0.1 to about 1%.

The stabilizers of the instant invention may readily be incorporated into the organic polymers by conventional techniques, at any convenient stage prior to the manufacture of shaped articles therefrom. For example, the stabilizer may be mixed with the polymer in dry powder form, or a suspension or emulsion of the stabilizer may be mixed with a solution, suspension, or emulsion of the polymer. The resulting stabilized polymer compositions of the invention may optionally also contain from about 0.01 to about 5%, preferably from about 0.025 to about 2%, and especially from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of various conventional additives, such as the materials listed below, or mixtures thereof.

1. Antioxidants

1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example,

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol

2-tert.butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-i-butylphenol

2,6-di-cyclopentyl-4-methylphenol

2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol

2,6-di-octadecyl-4-methylphenol

2,4,6-tri-cyclohexylphenol

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol.

1.2. Alkylated hydroquinones, for example,

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol

2,5-di-tert-butyl-hydroquinone

2,5-di-tert-amyl-hydroquinone

2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol.

1.3. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example,

2,2'-thio-bis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol)

2,2'-thio-bis-(4-octylphenol)

4,4'-thio-bis-(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol)

4,4'-thio-bis-(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol).

1.4. Alkylidene-bisphenols, for example,

2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol)

2,2'-methylene-bis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol)

2,2'-methylene-bis-[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol]

2,2'-methylene-bis-(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol)

2,2'-methylene-bis-(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol)

2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol]

2,2'-methylene-bis-[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol]

2,2'-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol)

2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol)

2,2'-ethylidene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol)

4,4'-methylene-bis-(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol)

4,4'-methylene-bis-(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol)

1,1-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl-butane

2,6-di-(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol

1,1,3-tris-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-butane

1,1-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane

ethyleneglycol bis-[3,3-bis-(3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-butyrate]

di-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-dicyclopentadiene

di-[2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methyl-benzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate.

1.5. Benzyl compounds, for example,

1,3,5-tri-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene

di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide

3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercapto-acetic acid isooctyl ester

bis-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithiol terephthalate

1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) isocyanurate

1,3,5-tris-(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl) isocyanurate

3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid dioctadecyl ester

3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphoric acid monoethyl ester, calcium-salt.

1.6. Acylaminophenols, for example,

4-hydroxy-lauric acid anilide

4-hydroxy-stearic acid anilide

2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-s-triazine

octyl-N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-carbamate.

1.7. Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, for example,

methanol

octadecanol

1,6-hexanediol

neopentyl glycol

thiodiethylene glycol

diethylene glycol

triethylene glycol

pentaerythritol

tris-hydroxythyl isocyanurate

di-hydroxyethyl oxalic acid diamide.

1.8. Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-propionic acid with monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, for example,

methanol

octadecanol

1,6-hexanediol

neopentyl glycol

thiodiethylene glycol

diethylene glycol

triethylene glycol

pentaerythritol

tris-hydroxyethyl isocyanurate

di-hydroxyethyl oxalic acid diamide.

1.9. Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid for example,

N,N'-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexamethylenediamine

N,N'-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-trimethylenediamine

N,N'-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazine.

1.10 Diarylamines, for example, diphenylamine, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine, 4,4'-di-tert-octyl-diphenylamine, reaction product of N-phenylbenzylamine and 2,4,4-trimethylpentene, reaction product of diphenylamine and 2,4,4-trimethylpentene, reaction product of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine and 2,4,4-trimethylpentene.

2. UV absorbers and light stabilizers

2.1. 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)-benzotriazoles, for example, the 5'-methyl-, 3',5'-di-tert-butyl-, 5'-tert-butyl-, 5'-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-, 5-chloro-3',5'-di-tert-butyl-, 5-chloro-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methyl-, 3'-sec-butyl-5'-tert-butyl-, 4'-octoxy, 3',5'-di-tert-amyl-, 3',5'-bis-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl), 3'-tert-butyl-5'-(2-(omega-hydroxy-octa-(ethyleneoxy)carbonyl-ethyl)-, 3'-dodecyl-5'-methyl-, and 3'-tert-butyl-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonyl)ethyl-, and dodecylated-5'-methyl derivatives.

2.2. 2-Hydroxy-benzophenones, for example, the 4-hydroxy-, 4-methoxy-, 4-octoxy, 4-decyloxy-, 4-dodecyloxy-, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2',4'-trihydroxy- and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy derivatives.

2.3. Esters of optionally substituted benzoic acids for example, phenyl salicylate, 4-tert-butylphenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoylresorcinol, bis-(4-tert-butylbenzoyl)-resorcinol, benzoylresorcinol, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl ester and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid hexadecyl ester.

2.4. Acrylates, for example, α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylic acid ethyl ester or isooctyl ester, α-carbomethoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester or butyl ester, α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methyl-indoline.

2.5. Nickel compounds, for example, nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complex, optionally with additional ligands such as n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyl-diethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylphosphonic acid monoalkyl esters, such as of the methyl, ethyl or butyl ester, nickel complexes of ketoximes such as of 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-phenyl undecyl ketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxy-pyrazole, optionally with additional ligands.

2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for example bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) sebacate, n-butyl-3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl malonic acid bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentanemethylpiperidyl)ester, condensation product of 1-hydroxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid, condensation product of N,N'-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-s-triazine, tris-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-nitrilotraiacetate, tetrakis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, 1,1'(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis-(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone).

2.7. Oxalic acid diamides, for example, 4,4'-di-octyloxy-oxanilide, 2,2'-di-octyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyl-oxanilide, 2,2'-di-dodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyl-oxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-oxanilide, N,N'-bis (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-oxalamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2'-ethyloxanilide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4'-di-tert-butyloxanilide and mixtures of ortho- and para-methoxy- as well as of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

2.8. Hydroxyphenyl-s-triazines, for example 2,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-s-triazine; 2,6-bis-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-4-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-s-triazine; 2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-traizine; 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine; 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-s-triazine; 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]-6-(4-bromophenyl)-s-triazine; 2,4-bis[2-hydroxy-4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)phenyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-s-triazine, 2,4-bis(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-s-triazine.

3. Metal deactivators, for example, N,N'-diphenyloxalic acid diamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloylhydrazine, N,N'-bis-salicyloylhydrazine, N,N'-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis-benzylidene-oxalic acid dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example, triphenyl phosphite, diphenylalkyl phosphites, phenyldialkyl phosphites, tri-(nonylphenyl) phosphite, triauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, di-stearyl-pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, di-isodecylpentaerythritol diphosphite, di-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, tritearylsorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis-(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-diphenylylenediphosphonite.

5. Compounds which destory peroxide, for example, esters of β-thiodipropionic acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters, mercapto-benzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc dibutyl-dithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis-(β-dodecylmercapto)-propionate.

6. Hydroxylamines, for example, N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine, N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine, N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine, N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

7. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenyl nitrone, N-ethyl-alpha-methyl nitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptyl nitrone, N-lauryl-alpha-undecyl nitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridecyl nitrone, N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl nitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha-heptadecylnitrone, N-hexadecyl-alphaheptadecyl nitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl nitrone, N-heptadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl nitrone, N-octadecyl-alpha-hexadecyl nitrone, nitrone derived from N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine.

8. Polyamide stabilizers, for example copper salts in combination with iodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts of divalent manganese.

9. Basic co-stabilizers, for example, melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids for example Ca stearate, Zn stearate, Mg stearate, Na ricinoleate and K palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zinc pyrocatecholate.

10. Nucleating agents, for example, 4-tert-butyl-benzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid.

11. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example, calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fibers, asbestors, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite.

12. Other additives, for example, plasticizers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, anti-static agents, blowing agents and thiosynergists such as dilauryl thiodipropionate or distearyl thiodipropionate.

The phenolic antioxidant of particular interest is selected from the group consisting of n-octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, neopentanetetrayl tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinammate), di-n-octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, thiodiethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate), 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, 3,6-dioxaoctamethylene bis(3-methyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, 2,2'-ethylidene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 1,3,5-tris(2,6-dimethyl-4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxybenzyl)isocynurate, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane, 1,3,5-tris[2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyloxy)ethyl]isocyanurate, 3,5-di-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)mesitol, hexamethylene bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate), 1-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-3,5-di(octylthio)-s-triazine, N,N'-hexamethylene-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamamide), calcium bis(ethyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate), ethylene bis[3,3-di(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate], octyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate, bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyl)hydrazide, and N,N'-bis[2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyloxy)-ethyl]-oxamide.

A most preferred phenolic antioxidant is neopentanetetrayl tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate), n-octadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, 1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol or 2,2'-ethylidene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butyphenol).

The hindered amine compound of particular interest is selected from the group consisting of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, di(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl) (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)butylmalonate, 4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione, tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) nitrilotriacetate, 1,2-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-oxopiperazin-4-yl)ethane, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diaza-21-oxodispiro[5.1.11.2]heneicosane, polycondensation product of 2,4-dichloro-6-tert-octylamino-s-triazine and 4,4'-hexamethylenebis(amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine), polycondensation product of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid, polycondensation product of 4,4'-hexamethylenebis-(amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and 1,2-dibromoethane, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, tetrakis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, polycondensation product of 2,4-dichloro-6-morpholino-s-triazine and 4,4'-hexamethylenebis(amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine), N,N',N",N"'-tetrakis[(4,6-bis(butyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl)-amino-s-triazin-2-yl]-1,10-diamino-4,7-diazadecane, mixed [2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl/β,β,β',β'-tetramethyl-3,9-(2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]-undecane) diethyl]1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, mixed [1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidin-4-yl/β,β ,β',β'-tetramethyl-3,9-(2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]-undecane)diethyl]1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate, octamethylene bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-carboxylate) and 4,4'-ethylenebis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperazin-3-one).

A most preferred hindered amine compound is bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl) sebacate, the polycondensation product of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperdine and succinic acid, the polycondensation product of 2,4-dichloro-6-tert-octylamino-s-triazine and 4,4'-hexamethylenebis(amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) or N,N',N",N"'-tetrakis[(4,6-bis(butyl-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl)amino)-s-triazine-2-yl]-1,10-diamino-4,7-diazadecane.

The following examples are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed to limit the nature or scope of the instant invention in any manner whatsoever.

EXAMPLE 1 4-Amino-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzenethiol

To a stirred mixture of 5 g of 4,4'-polythiobis(2-tert-butyl-6-methylaniline), 75 g of zinc dust, 10 mL of ethanol and 20 mL of toluene is added dropwise over a three-hour period 40 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then the acidic mixture is cautiously neutralized with 5% aqueous sodium hydride. The heterogeneous reaction mixture is extracted with diethyl ether and the extracts are dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed in vacuo. To the residue is added 20 mL of heptane and the resultant solid is removed by filtration. The heptane is removed in vacuo and the residue distilled to give 1.3 g of the title compound as a colorless liquid, bp 170° C. (0.3 mm).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₁ H₁₇ NS: C, 67.6; C, 8.8; N, 7.2. Found: C, 67.6; H, 9.0; N, 7.3.

EXAMPLE 2 Methyl 3-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)propionate

To a stirred solution of 1.00 g (5.1 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline and 0.05 g (0.5 mmol) of triethylamine in 5 mL of toluene at -5° C. is added dropwise a solution of 0.44 g (5.1 mmol) of methyl acrylate in 5 mL of toluene. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hrs at room temperature. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 95:5, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 0.95 g (66%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (80 MHz) 1.42 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.56 (t, 2H), 2.98 (t, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.89 (exchangeable s, 2H), 7.12 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₅ H₂₃ NO₂ S: C, 64.0; H, 8.2; N, 5.0. Found: C, 64.0; H, 8.4; N, 5.1.

EXAMPLE 3 Octadecyl 3-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)propionate

A stirred solution of 4.5 g (23 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 7.5 g (23 mmol) of octadecyl acrylate and 0.2 g (2 mmol) of triethylamine in 50 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hrs. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 9:1, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 8.6 g (72%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.31 (t, 3H), 1.24 (s, 32H), 1.42 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.53 (t, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H), 3.80 (exchangeable s, 2H), 4.06 (t, 2H), 7.18 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₃₂ H₅₇ NO₂ S: C, 73.9; H, 11.0; N, 2.7. Found: C, 73.7; H, 11.2; N, 2.6.

EXAMPLE 4 N-Octadecyl-2-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)succinimide

A stirred solution of 2.8 g (14 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 5.0 g (14 mmol) of N-octadecylmaleimide and 0.1 g (1 mmol) of triethylamine in 50 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 4:1, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 4.3 g (55%) of the title compound as a caramel-colored liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃ 3) (90 MHz) 0.84 (t, 3H), 1.20 (s, 32H), 1.35 (s, 9H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 2.62 (dd, 1H), 3.02 (dd, 1H), 3.28 (t, 2H), 3.77 (dd, 1H) 3.95 (exchangeable s, 2H), 7.15 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₃₃ H₅₆ N₂ O₂ S: C, 72.7; H, 10.4; N, 5.1. Found: C, 72.3; H, 10.5; N, 5.1.

EXAMPLE 5 N-methyl-2-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)succinimide

A stirred solution of 1.0 g (5 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 0.6 g (5 mmol) of N-methylmaleimide and 0.1 g (1 mmol) of triethylamine in 10 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 3:2, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) followed by recrystallization from a heptane:toluene solvent mixture to give 0.8 g (51%) of the title compound as a white solid melting at 92°-94° C. ¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.37 (s, 9H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 2.66 (dd, 1H), 3.06 (dd, 1H), 2.80 (s, 3H) 3.82 (dd, 1H) 4.02 (exchangeable s, 2H), 7.15 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₆ H₂₂ N₂ O₂ S: C, 62.7; H, 7.2; N, 9.1. Found: C, 62.6; H, 7.0; N, 9.0.

EXAMPLE 6 Hexamethylene Bis[3-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)propionate

A stirred solution of 4.9 g (25 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 2.8 g (12 mmol) of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate and 0.2 g (2 mmol) of triethylamine in 25 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 3:1, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 3.4 g (44%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.41 (s, 8H) 1.42 (s, 18H), 2.13 (s, 6H), 2.57 (t, 4H), 3.02 (t, 4H), 3.91 (exchangeable s, 4H), 4.08 (t, 4H), 7.20 (meta d, 4H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₃₄ H₅₂ N₂ O₄ S: C, 66.2; H, 8.5; N, 4.5. Found: C, 66.2; H, 8.5; N, 4.4.

EXAMPLE 7 ω-(Acryloyloxy)hexyl 3-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)propionate

The title compound is isolated during the purification of the product of Example 6 in a yield of 1.9 g as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.41 (s, 8H), 1.42 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.57 (t, 2H), 3.02 (t, 2H), 3.91 (exchangeable s, 2H), 4.08 (complex mult., 4H), 6.13 (complex mult., 3H), 7.20 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₂₃ H₃₅ NO₄ S: C, 65.5; H, 8.4; N, 3.3. Found: C, 65.7; H, 8.1; N, 3.6.

EXAMPLE 8 Di-n-butyl 2-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)succinate

To a stirred solution of 1.00 g (5.1 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline and 0.05 g (0.5 mmol) of triethylamine in 5 mL of toluene at room temperature is added dropwise a solution of 1.16 g (5.1 mmol) of di-n-butyl maleate in 5 mL of toluene. The reaction mixture is stirred for 18 hours at room temperature. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the crude product is purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 85:15, heptane:ethylacetate eluent) to give 0.60 g (28%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (80 MHz) 0.91 (t, 6H), 1.42 (s, 17H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.64 (dd, 1H), 2.93 (dd, 1H), 3.84 (dd, 1H), 4.08 (t, 4H), 7.20 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₂₃ H₃₇ NO₄ S: C, 65.2; H, 8.8; N, 3.3. Found: C, 64.8; H, 8.7; N, 3.2.

EXAMPLE 9 Methyl 3-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)-2-methylpropionate

To a stirred solution of 1.00 g (5.1 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline and 0.15 g (0.5 mmol) of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in 5 mL of toluene at -5° C. is added dropwise a solution of 0.51 g (5.1 mmol) of methyl methacrylate in 5 mL of toluene. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then poured into 50 mL of water. The phases are separated and the organic phase is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 4:1, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 0.28 g (18%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.24 (d, 3H), 1.43 (s, 9H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.65 (dt, 1H), 2.77 (dd, 1H), 3.11 (dd, 1H) 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.89 (exchangeable s, 2H), 7.18 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₆ H₂₅ NO₂ S: C, 65.0; H, 8.5; N, 4.7. Found: C, 65.4; H, 8.6; N, 4.7.

EXAMPLE 10 N-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)methyl-N,N-diphenylamine

To a stirred solution of 4.5 g (23 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline and 3.9 g (23 mmol) of diphenylamine in 30 mL of methanol at -5° C. is added 0.9 g (23 mmol) of formaldehyde as a 37% aqueous solution (1.9 mL). The reaction mixture is stirred for 72 hours at room temperature and then is heated for 5 hours at 50°-55° C. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 9:1, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 3.9 g (45%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl3) (90 MHz) 1.36 (s, 9H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 3.84 (exchangeable s, 2H), 5.11 (s, 2H), 7.06 (complex m, 12H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₂₄ H₂₈ N₂ S: C, 76.6; H, 7.5; N, 7.4. Found: C, 76.3; H, 7.5; N, 7.3.

EXAMPLE 11 S-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenyl)-O,O-di-n-butyl-phosphorothiolate

To a stirred suspension of 15.5 g (40 mmol) of 4,4'-dithiobis(2-tert-butyl-6-methylaniline) in 50 mL of toluene at -40° C. is added 3.4 g (48 mmol) of chlorine gas through a gas inlet tube below the surface of the reaction mixture over a 15-20 minute period. The mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and to it is added 22.0 g (88 mmol) of tributyl phosphite. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then is filtered to remove insolubles. The solvent is removed in vacuo from the filtrate and the residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 7:3, heptane:ethyl acetate) to give 2.7 g (27%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 0.89 (overlapping t, 6H), 1.42 (complex m, 17H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 4.04 (complex m, 4H), 7.20 (meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₉ H₃₄ NO₃ PS: C, 58.9; H, 8.8; N, 3.6. Found: C, 58.8; H, 8.9; N, 3.6.

EXAMPLE 12 S-(4-Amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenyl)-O,O-dimethyl-phosphorothiolate

To a stirred suspension of 15.5 g (40 mmol) of 4,4'-dithiobis(2-tert-butyl-6-methylaniline) in 50 mL of toluene at -40° C. is added 3.4 g (48 mmol) of chlorine gas through a gas inlet tube below the surface of the reaction mixture over a 15-20 minute period. The mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and to it is added 10.9 g (88 mmol) of trimethyl phosphite. The reaction mixture is stirred for 24 hours at room temperature and then is filtered to remove insolubles. The solvent is removed in vacuo from the filtrate. The residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 1:1, heptane:ethyl acetate) followed by recrystallization from a heptane:toluene solvent mixture to give 2.6 g (27%) of the title compound as a white solid melting at 85°-88° C.

¹ HNMR (CDCl3) (90 MHz) 1.42 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 3.82 (d, 6H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 7.20 meta d, 2H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₁₃ H₂₂ NO₃ PS: C, 51.5; H, 7.3; N, 4.6. Found: C, 51.1; H, 7.3; N, 4.6.

EXAMPLE 13

N-Phenyl-2-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)succinimide

A stirred solution of 1.0 g (5 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 0.9 g (5 mmol) of N-phenylmaleimide and 0.1 g (1 mmol) of triethylamine in 10 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate eluent) to give 0.7 g (37%) of the title compound as a white solid melting at 126°-128° C.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 1.40 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.93 (dd, 1H), 3.33 (dd, 1H) 2.97 (dd, 1H), 4.06 (exchangeable s, 2H), 7.19 (complex m, 7H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₂₁ H₂₄ N₂ O₂ S: C, 68.4; H, 6.6; N, 7.6. Found: C, 68.3; H, 6.4; N, 7.5.

EXAMPLE 14 1,1,1-Tri[5-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)-2-oxa-3-oxopentyl]propane

A solution of 2.0 g (10 mmol) of 2-tert-butyl-4-mercapto-6-methylaniline, 1.0 g (3 mmol) of trimethylolpropane triacrylate and 0.1 g (1 mmol) of triethylamine in 20 mL of toluene is heated at 50° C. for 18 hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo and the residue is purified by preparative HPLC (silica gel, 7:3, heptane:ethyl acetate eluent) to give 0.6 g (22%) of the title compound as a colorless liquid.

¹ H NMR (CDCl3) (90 MHz) 0.88 (t, 3H), 1.46 (s, 27H), 1.46 (q, 2H), 2.13 (s, 9H), 2.57 (t, 6H), 2.97 (t, 6H), 3.91 (exchangeable s, 6H), 4.04 (s, 6H), 7.15 (meta d, 6H).

EXAMPLE 15 2,2-Di(2-oxa-3-oxo-5-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)pentyl)butyl acrylate

From the residue of Example 14, 0.7 g of the di-adduct title compound is isolated as a colorless liquid.

¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) (90 MHz) 0.88 (t, 3H), 1.42 (s, 18H), 1.46 (q, 2H), 2.13 (s, 6H), 2.53 (t, 4H), 2.93 (t, 4H), 3.91 (exchangeable s, 4H), 4.04 (s, 4H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 6.10 (complex m, 3H), 7.15 (meta d, 4H).

Analysis: Calcd. for C₃₇ H₅₄ N₂ O₆ S₂ : C, 64.7; H, 7.9; N, 4.1. Found: C, 64.9; H, 8.1; N, 3.9.

EXAMPLE 16 Stabilization of Polypropylene

The base resin formulation comprises unstabilized, new technology polypropylene (PROFAX 6501, HIMONT) containing 0.1% by weight of calcium stearate. The test stabilizer is solvent blended onto the polypropylene from a solution in methylene chloride. After removal of the solvent by evaporation under reduced pressure, the stabilized resin is extruded at 80 rpm from a 1 inch (2.54 cm) extruder at 536° F. (280° C.). The residence time is 45 seconds.

The resin pellets obtained are milled into 25 mil (0.635 mm) thick plaques. The plaques are placed in a forced draft oven at 150° C. and the time in hours till failure is observed. Failure is considered to occur on the showing of the first signs of decomposition such as cracking or brown edges on the plaques.

The results are given in the table below.

    ______________________________________                                                       Additive    Oxidative Stability                                  Additive*     Concentration                                                                              Time to Failure                                      Compound of   (% by weight)                                                                              (hours)                                              ______________________________________                                         Base resin**  none        <20                                                  Base resin plus                                                                              none        <20                                                  DSTDP (3% by weight)                                                           Example 3     0.2         80                                                   Example 4     0.2         80                                                   Example 6     0.2         70                                                   Example 6     0.1                                                              plus DSTDP    0.3         200                                                  Example 10    0.1                                                              plus DSTDP    0.3         70                                                   ______________________________________                                          *DSTDP is the thiosynergist distearyl thiodipropionate.                        **Base resin contains 0.1% by weight of calcium stearate.                

These data show that the instant compounds are effective thermal and oxidative stabilizers for polypropylene, particularly in the presence of the thiosynergist DSTDP.

EXAMPLE 17 Standard Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Gasoline Automotive Engine Oils by Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake (TFOUT)

The antioxidant effectiveness of the instant stabilizers is evaluated by the ASTM test method, D4742. A 1.5 gram test sample of a 10 W-30 engine oil, formulated to meet SD/CC quality level containing 0.5% by weight of the test compound is placed in the test apparatus. The test is then completed according to the standard method procedure and the oxidation induction time, in minutes, is reported in the table below. A longer induction time indicates greater oxidation stability.

    ______________________________________                                         Test Compound    Oxidation Induction                                           of Example       Time (minutes)                                                ______________________________________                                         Base Oil (no stabilizer)                                                                        110                                                           Example 3        125                                                           ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 18 Inhibition of Oxidation of Petroleum Turbine Oil

This test is performed according to ASTM procedure D 943-81.

A 300 ml sample of 150N paraffinic mineral oil (base oil A) containing 0.25% by weight of the compound of Example 3 and 60 ml of distilled water are charged into a large glass tube and heated by an oil bath maintained at 95° C. Oxygen is bubbled at a rate of 3 liters per hour through the delivery tube and through the oil mixture. Iron-copper catalyst coils are mounted in the oxygen delivery tube. Samples of oil are removed periodically and the acid number determined. A low acid number and a low sludge value indicated good stabilization efficacy for the test compound.

    ______________________________________                                         Additive of Acid Number*                                                                               Sludge Value (mg)                                      ______________________________________                                         Base Oil    >1          >1000                                                  Example 3   0.41        56.7                                                   ______________________________________                                          *mg KOH/gram.                                                             

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition stabilized against oxidative or thermal degradation which comprises(a) an organic material subject to oxidative or thermal degradation, and (b) an effective stabilizing amount of a compound of formula I ##STR4## wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms or said phenylalkyl substituted on the phenyl ring by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms,n is an integer from 1 to 4, when n is 1, E is a direct bond, and T is a group of formula II, III, IV, V or VI ##STR5## where R₃ is hydrogen or methyl, R₄ is alkyl of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, phenyl or said phenylalkyl or said phenyl substituted on the phenyl ring by one or two alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R₅ is alkyl of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 5 or 12 carbon atoms, phenylalkyl of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, phenyl or said phenylalkyl or said phenyl substituted on the phenyl ring by one or two alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, when n is 2-4; E is --CH₂ CH(R₃)COO-- where the oxygen atom is attached to T, and T is an n-valent radical of an alkanepolyol of 3 to 12 carbon atoms after removal of the OH groups.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the organic material is a synthetic polymer or a lubricant.
 3. A composition according to claim 2 wherein the synthetic polymer is a polyolefin or elastomer.
 4. A composition according to claim 3 wherein the polyolefin is polypropylene.
 5. A composition according to claim 2 wherein the lubricant is a motor oil.
 6. A composition according to claim 5 wherein the motor oil is a gasoline engine motor oil.
 7. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the compound of component (b) isoctadecyl 3-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)-propionate; N-octadecyl-2-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)-succinimide; hexamethylene bis[3-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)-propionate; or N-(4-amino-3-tert-butyl-5-methylphenylthio)methyl-N,N-diphenylamine. 